Category: christian

Do You Struggle to Read the Bible? (Part 2)

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For Part 1 – Click HERE

2. Reading

From the get go, reading the Bible is a bit different from reading any other book. It goes beyond reading a story or simply gathering information. You should read the Bible actively, listening to, reflecting and engaging with God as you do so. That’s not usually how we read – stopping and wondering what the author wants to do in us – that’s different to any other book and that’s what makes it an interesting book.

Choose a Translation That You Can Read Easily

The YouVersion Bible App is a great free bible app that lets you choose from multiple translation. Definitely worth checking out.

You are reading with a purpose to hear God.

The Amount You Read Doesn’t Matter

You are not reading the Bible to simply get through it, but to get the Bible through you.

Your are not reading the Bible to simply get through it, but to get the Bible through you.

Read it slowly, prayerfully. Pray through what you’re reading and ask God to help you understand and of course apply it into your life.

Balanced Reading

The whole canon of Scripture consists of 66 books that presents a full narrative that tells the story of God. Some books are harder than others to understand – but honestly, they matter. Having a favourite go to book is a good thing, but to get the big picture we need to have balanced reading of the entire Bible or we miss out on the breadth and depth of it.

There is a beauty to be discovered in the way the books weave into and inform the others.

YouVersion has so many whole bible plans.

You might find going cover to cover hard work and give up somewhere in the middle of the Old Testament. You could try the M’Cheyne Plan, it’s a good daily balance of the Old and New Testament.

(And don’t forget the audio option from Part 1)

3. Memory Work

Instantly you’ll be thinking Sunday School, the leaders as the front creatively teaching verses and a sweet or prize when you recited it correctly.

Memorising scripture is a great way of slowing down your intake and helps you focus on what you’re reading.

Helps You Recall When You Need it Most

If you’ve ever had to remember a verse or passage chances are you can still recall it.

Memorising scripture is a great way of engaging with the Bible. Have you tried it?

Jesus said that one of the jobs of the Holy Spirit was to help you remember the things that he said (John 14:26) If you’ve never read what Jesus said, how is He going to help you remember?

The format below for memorising scripture is taken from Chapter 5 in Lead Like Jesus

If you are doing the Back to Basis mini-series with us in church, we set the challenge this week of learning Ephesians 3:14-21.

Give it a go! I’d love to hear how you get on, or if you have other key passages you think are worth committing to memory leave a comment and inspire someone else.

For Part 3 Click Here


A New normal in Isolation

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Like the rest of the world, the last fortnight I’ve been desperate to find a new rhythm. I find myself in a weird space, in one way some things have slowed pace and yet other things have sped up dramatically.

I’ve tried to stick to my usual weekly schedule – although all my gatherings have moved online. It’s been great for keeping some sort of normal – college, MOPS gatherings, connect groups and church are all still events I’m still attending in some shape or form. This really helps keep me focused on life outside our 4 walls.

Here’s some daily things I’ve had to put in place to make it all work and stay sane in the process. I thought it may be of use to someone out there. *Disclaimer – I am learning as I go.

Any extra tips or things you are doing that can influence my world – I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. We’re all in this together.

My daily routine

  • Morning Devotions

Before everyone gets up or it doesn’t happen and the day disappears. This really does set me up in a good way for the day ahead.

You version Bible Reading Plan

You Version

Lectio 365 (recent addition – loving this app).

Lectio 365 from 24/7 Prayer

  • Coffee (& Jesus)

  • Morning with kids.

The rule is they have to be fully dressed before coming downstairs (sports gear for PE with Joe Wickes) PE with Joe

Treatments and Medications for my little CF’er go hand in hand with breakfast routine (it’s a busy morning and slightly calmer that we don’t have to be out the door having done all this for 7:45am).

  • School

I need to remind myself constantly that I facilitate this. I have learned quickly I am a terrible teacher. This is an intense 3 hours with 3 kids doing 3 different things.

Some websites have saved my sanity:

BBC Bitesize (all ages UK curriculum)

Twinkl

Top Marks Maths Games

Corbett Maths Videos

If you have found any cool sites – let me know. 

  • Free study

(I need this space to do my own college work – praise the Lord I have my own SHEDQUARTERS to do this)

  • Daily walk

Depending on the mood in the house this can happen at any given time. If it’s getting tense – the walk has to happen.

  • Lunch and dinner

We’re trying to make this a family affair in terms of contribution. Home economics lessons that serve the purpose of feeding us. Each kid gets a night to pick menu and help cook.

  • Free time R&R

People are my tank fillers. So social isolation is not the best thing for me. So I’ve tried to recreate my social time online with my people using the help of a few social platforms.

FaceTime (I like seeing faces).

House Party: does what it says on the tin and allows people in your room to play games like quick draw and heads up. 

Zoom

Epic experience this weekend celebrating a friends birthday and doing a quiz over zoom.

  • Family fun

On school days it seems stressful, like we’ve worked all day. We gotta still do fun. That has looked mostly like movies and board games.

  • Wind Down and Bed

In a small house it’s super hard to get ‘me’ time. I’m mainly an extrovert and don’t need a whole lot of ‘me’ space – but half an hour with no one needing anything from me is essential.

I’m fairly good at knowing my needs but poor at asking for help (Enneagram 2 🙌🏻).  Check out Your Enneagram Coach.  I do think I’m growing at this, and this confinement is perfecting that for sure.

I am also really aware that this season is for slowing down. Granted it seems forced. But I feel like it’s a chance to reset. To focus on what truly matters. So this moment is a chance to do just that. To invest and sow into a different future. Life with 3 kids is busy – but I’m so aware that this isolation is a beautiful chance to invest in our family life like never before. We get to do this.  I want to guard it.

This talk below is worth a listening. Bill Johnson says it way better than I could.

So I would love to know……

How are you getting on?

All tips welcome here.